William Green

Gifted with speed and endurance, Willie Green was a miler who made his mark in both track and cross-country.

Named an All-State athlete in both sports, he won seven CIAC titles altogether. Winner in 1963 and 1964 of the CIAC Large School mile event indoors and outdoors and the CIAC Open outdoor mile, he also swept the Capitol District Conference and city mile events in those years.

In cross-country, Willie set course records in New Britain, Manchester, and New London, as well as on the Greater Hartford course, then in Keney Park.  His Keney Park record, 11 minutes 15 seconds, stands to this day. His endurance and speed were such that Willie also often called on to run the anchor leg of the 4x220-yard relay.

Willie was Captain of both the cross-country and the track teams in 1963 and 1964.

In 1966, Willie joined the U. S. Marine Corps, and ran both track and cross-country with the Marines. He served in Vietnam. He was credited with saving numerous lives and was decorated for his service.   He suffered a shoulder wound from a rocket explosion during his combat assignment and returned to Hartford a war hero.

Willie currently serves with the Vietnam Veterans Committee and assists with many community projects, rendering aid to homeless and disabled veterans and volunteering with House of Bread.